Political Leaders Unite on stage to Honour The Emergency Services

The leaders of the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrats parties united to honour three heroic police officers at the Pride of Britain awards.

Prime Minister Theresa May, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and the Liberal Democrats Sir Vince Cable put their political differences behind them on 30 October 2017 to pay tribute to officers who responded to terrorist attacks which took place in London earlier this year.

Taking to the stage at Grosvenor House, the politicians each expressed their gratitude to those who serve to keep the streets of Britain safe – as police officers Wayne Marques, Charlie Guenigault and Keith Palmer were honoured with the Outstanding Bravery awards.

PC Keith Palmer gave his life, aged 48, on 22 March 2017 while guarding the Palace of Westminster when terrorist Khalid Masood attacked, armed with two knives. Unarmed Keith valiantly fought off the terrorist, preventing him from entering Parliament, but sadly suffered a fatal knife wound before a fellow officer shot Masood dead.

Presenting the award to Keith’s sisters, Angela and Michelle, the Prime Minister praised the late Police Constable for his unwavering bravery.
“Keith Palmer devoted his life to the service of his country, and as he stood in defence of Parliament, facing down and tackling that evil terrorist, unarmed, he stood for Britain, he gave his life for Britain, he was, quite simply, the pride of Britain,” Prime Minister May said. “I think it is entirely fitting that tonight this award is being given for the first time ever posthumously, in memory of PC Keith Palmer,” she added.

Officers Wayne Marques and Charlie Guenigault were also awarded for their roles in tackling a terrorist attack on 3 June 2017 in which Khuram Shazad Butt, Rachid Redouane and Youssef Zaghba killed eight and injured 48 others in an attack in London Bridge.

“Police Constable Wayne Marques of British Transport Police probably wasn’t expecting anything like this when he went on duty that night,” Jeremy Corbyn said. “He saw danger, he saw people at risk of losing their lives and he potentially laid down his own life so that others might live,” the Labour leader continued. “On behalf of everybody, thank you to him, and thank you to all of our emergency services who keep us safe 365 days of the year. Thank you very much,” he said.

Sir Vince Cable added: “Whatever differences we have politically, I think we are completely and totally united in wanting to honour the real heroes that our country produces and we have them here tonight.”